Political opinion: John Milne MP challenges Keir Starmer on National Insurance at Prime Minister's Questions

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On Wednesday, Horsham's MP John Milne delivered a Prime Minister's Question on the impact of the rise of National Insurance Contributions. Milne highlighted that the government's policy, originally intended to protect public services, has instead placed them under severe pressure.

John Milne MP asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer what he has to say to all the public services that have become 'outright losers' as a result of 'the very tax that's supposed to save them'. Milne emphasised the impact on local services such as Horsham District Council who now face a £500,000 tax bill due to the change. He also highlighted the pressures on St Catherine's Hospice, who have already been forced to ‘mothball a brand new ward’.

In response to John Milne MP’s question, the Prime Minister stated that local council settlements had been increased this year, providing them with 'more money to deal with the problems they face'. Starmer further claimed that local services were 'broken by the last government' and insisted the funding approach has been 'the right thing to do'.

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Following the Prime Minister’s response, John Milne said: “The Prime Minister is not being straight with us. Yes, Horsham District Council will receive some extra funding, but nowhere near what they lose from the National Insurance hike. Other key service providers, like hospices and charities, will receive absolutely nothing. I understand why the Labour government can’t fix years of underfunding in one go. But I never expected them to make things actively worse”.

John Milne MP speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Wednesday 29 January.John Milne MP speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Wednesday 29 January.
John Milne MP speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Wednesday 29 January.

Horsham’s MP has consistently challenged the government’s stance on the issue, emphasising its impact at the local level. In a parliament debate earlier this year, Milne spoke about the difficulties facing charities like Age UK in Horsham, who are now grappling with an estimated additional cost of £150,000 per year. Milne emphasised that local organisations like these are 'not businesses' and cannot simply 'raise their prices' to cope with extra costs – instead, their only option is to 'cut their service'. With one in five pensioners already living in poverty, Milne argues this is precisely the 'wrong time' for the Labour government to implement such measures.

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